Evaluation of animal welfare in dairy breeding businesses in Burdur province in terms of shelter and breeding conditions

The aim of the study is to evaluate the welfare of dairy farms in Burdur province. A total of 56 dairy farm farms were used in the study. A 61-item questionnaire was employed, and on-s,te measurements were taken through one-on-one interviews with farm owners. Of the farm owners, 32.1% had a high school education, 26.8% had a university degree, and 35.7% mentioned being in the sector for over 20 years due to inheriting the profession from their fathers. The majority of farm owners lacked vocational training, with onlu 19.6% having received eucaton in feeding practices. Most of the farms were family-owned and operated as sole proprietoships. Semi-open housing was preferred shelter type in the province, and during shelter planning, farmers indicated relying on their own experiences. Brick walls, sheet metal roofs, and concrete floors were the common choice for shelters. The majority of farms received preventive veterinary services. Shelters are usually cleaned with a tractor once a month. Farm owners reported experiencing hoof problems but managing them through hoof care. While no lameness issues were identified in shelters, examination of the legs, thighs, and udder-obdomen areas of cows revealed a problem with cleanliness. The body condition score of 38.9% of cows was found to be between 2.25-3.5, and 38.1% had a rumen fill score of 3. Shelter size peer cow (<7 m2, 7-9.1 m2, >9 m2) were examined, and a space allowance of more than 9.1 m2 was determined in 67.9% of cases. Shelter layout frequencies of 7-9.1 m2 were found significantly increase serum protein and globulin concentrations in cows. There were minor improvements in antioxidant defense mechansim and the immune responses at this shelter layout frequency. In conclusion, significant welfare problems were not identified in the shelters in Burdur province; however, some managerial issues were determined.